AEW star Buddy Matthews suffered an ankle injury during his match against Kazuchika Okada at AEW Grand Slam Australia.
The injury occurred as Matthews was entering the ring at the beginning of the match, which ultimately contributed to his defeat.
The situation gained attention when Matthews briefly posted, then deleted, a social media message suggesting his injury was connected to AEW’s ring size controversy.
“#AEWGrandSlamAustralia – If it wasn’t a 16×16 SHT wrestling ring!” he wrote. “1: Wouldn’t have destroyed my ankle on my entrance due to holes in the padding. 2: Okada wouldn’t have been able to put his foot on the rope & I’d be champion. Sht happens…”
His wife, WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, has acknowledged the injury on social media, and recent photos show Matthews using crutches during their honeymoon celebrations.
The timing is particularly unfortunate as Matthews and Ripley are currently celebrating their recent marriage. Despite the injury, the newlyweds are continuing with their honeymoon plans, though Matthews is now navigating the festivities with mobility assistance.